Fire Fighters Spirit Of Fire Awards 2010

This was a job that i did not hesitate to take! I was asked to cover the Fire Fighters - Spirit Of Fire Awards. I would be the official photographer for the organisers. The day was split into 2 events. In the morning was a shoot at Number 10 Downing Street and the evening was covering the awards ceremony at Wembley Stadium.

Its not everyday that you go to Downing Street (see pic!) , so it was amazing that I had to shoot the special reception held in the Number 10 garden for all the nominees of the Spirit Of Fire Awards. Unfortunately David Cameron could not be there due to the shootings in Cumbria, Communities Secretary Eric Pickles stepped in. I was very happy with the group shot as it took a long time to organise and it was bloody hot!

The second part of the day was at Wembley for the awards ceremony. The annual awards organised by the Fire Fighters Charity, recognise the remarkable bravery of the UK's fire and rescue service over the past year in eleven categories including Firefighter of the year, won by Simon Hawkins, the first firefighter in Europe to return to full duties with a prosthetic limb.

Entertainer Bruce Forsyth, politician Ken Livingstone, broadcaster Esther Rantzen, Falklands war veteran Simon Weston plus loads of other celebrities were at the event. My job was to cover the winners and celebrities. Hearing the stories of the bravery of the firefighters made me feel honoured to be in the same room as these guys!

Here are a few pics from the day and night

Firefighter of the year Simon Hawkins

Legends Bruce Forsyth and Barry Cryer

Charley Boorman

Simon Westen and Sturat Maconie present Rebecca Williamson, from Edinburgh a bravery award on behalf of her brotherEwan, who died tackling a blaze in July.

Esther Rantzen and Anna Williamson with Child Public Hero award winner - Tyler Hoplin, who helped rescue six children from a burning house.

Cliff Parisi AKA Minty!